Car hire question?

[kev kendall]

Just about to book with VH and I'm stuck on which kind of car to get??? Rental place is dollar.

There are four of us: me, DW, DS(9), DS(2).

I'm not sure how much luggage, but we're going for 3 weeks, so I guess we'd have 3 fairly large suitcases.

What is the best car to get? The basic is a 4 door compact - if it's four doors, can it be that compact ?? - i'm sure it'll be fine to get us around, but will it be big enough for all luggage etc.? Websiet says its a dodge calibar? How big is this? What is the british equivalent???

I'm happy to pay for a upgrade, but the bigger cars seem to be too big (for example, an SUV that fits 7 people would be lovely for journey from airport - but too big for rest of holiday).

HELP!!!

Thanks.

Can anyone help?

 

[PhilUK]

For 4 People I would definitely go for at least an Intermediate. Americans haven't got to grips with hatchbacks yet so luggage space tends to be slightly less. Dollar quite often have deals at the desk. A few weeks ago they were doing Chrysler 300's for not a lot.

Phil

 

[CoralCayTownhome]

At least go for an intermediate but you may be better not to take the car with virgin and look elsewhere. Last year we were able to get a bigger car with full insurance for slightly less than the cost of the extra insurances on the basic compact car with VH. All you do is take whatever comes free with your package, opt for no insurance and don't bother using the voucher when you get to Orlando.

There are 4 of us (kids 11 & 7) and we got a 4 door intermediate but to be honest probably could have done with the next size up - our luggage just about fit in the boot on our way back to the airport - probably cause I bought too much at the outlet stores

Tracey

 

[CoralCayTownhome]

Sorry should have said for you to check out this thread from earlier http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1536800

DH replied on my behalf and there will be a better explanation as when it comes to car hire this is his department

Tracey

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Personally I would go for an F4 - full size 4 door - a large family saloon.
Generally these have a fairly big boot (trunk).

Compact = Ford Focus
Intermediate = Vauxhall Vectra
Full SIze = BMW 5 series

Would be my estimate on sizes.

Minivan's even there there are just the 3 of us are what we normally get as they are just so roomy.

 

[giggler]

Hi, I think you will need at least an intermediate, as a compact just will not be enough (we have a compact an there are 2 of us with 2 cases and the luggage only just fits.

I would book the car hire else where though as you can save yourself about £50 than booking direct with virgin.

Try www.airlinenetwork.co.uk

I done a quick check and 3 weeks came out at £357,

giggler

 

[kev kendall]

Thanks you guys!!!

How tricky is driving a minivan when you don't normally?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Thanks you guys!!!

How tricky is driving a minivan when you don't normally?

Not tricky at all, have driven one many times in Florida.
Once you get started and gain a bit of confidence they are fine, the auto change controls are on the steering wheel but easy to use.

They are a big vehicle but after a short time you really won't notice and they are easy to drive.

 

[penlanspice]

I would get the minivan.
Don't worry about driving it, at home we used to drive a picasso and there was much difference in the minivans we've had in Orlando. We usually manage to get 3 cases in the boot. You have a family of 4 so there would be plenty of room for you, we've had one a few times just for the 2 of us (just because we've had free upgrades etc.)

Don't worry about it being to big you'll be fine.